First published in the Nov. 12 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission is partnering with the Animation Guild, the city of Burbank and the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the Guild’s 70th anniversary with colorful new murals at the Burbank Animal Shelter.
The murals are designed and painted by animators selected by the Animation Guild and will be unveiled to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m., where guests will have the opportunity for a sneak peek of the murals at 9:30 a.m. In conjunction, the Burbank Animal Shelter will kick off a week of 50% off pet adoption fees between Nov. 15-19.
“We’re excited that the Burbank Animal Shelter will be a more beautiful space thanks to the generosity of the Animation Guild,” said Kristen Smith, Parks and Recreation deputy director, who has direct oversight of the shelter. “We hope that community members will come out to see the new artwork at the shelter and return home with the perfect pet.”
The Animation Guild is filled with artists who adore animals, and their artwork reflects that love, while offering a visible tribute to the Guild’s seven decades in Burbank.
“In celebrating the Animation Guild’s 70th anniversary, we wanted to find a way to give back to the Burbank community that has been home to so much of our industry,” said Jackie Huang, member programs coordinator of the Animation Guild. “We’re thrilled to be able to share our members’ artistic talent in a way that will brighten up the shelter for staff, volunteers, visitors and animal residents!”
The partnership with The Animation Guild is part of an ongoing series of collaborative efforts by the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission’s beautification committee to add color and creativity to the community.
“We recently completed phase six of our electrical box painting project which partners the commission with local artists, the Art in Public Places Committee, the Public Works Department, the Parks & Recreation Department and several generous sponsors,” said Suzanne Weerts, commissioner and chair of the committee. “This opportunity to work with the Animation Guild and to see the Burbank Animal Shelter so beautifully transformed is exciting for us and we truly hope more pets find homes as a result.”
